2003 BMW 520 vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 333 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 400 kg more than 2003 BMW 520. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 489 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2012 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | BMW | Alpina |
| Model | 520 | B7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3071 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 82 L |
